Malcolm X Vs Siddhartha Essay

Of the eleven options to read or watch for the paper, I chose to read, the Autobiography of Malcolm X, and Siddhartha by Herman Hesse. The first choice, Autobiography of Malcolm X, was my first choice because it was a book that was a topic in high school history classes and I wanted to gain a better understanding of the book and actually read the book in its entirety. Siddhartha was also a topic when learning the Indian culture and religion in high school history classes so when this was an option given to read, I took advantage of that and read this to concentrate for the assignment. I chose these two books because both covered a different element of life that still affect me and society today. Not only was the time each book had been written

I chose this book because I can relate to how Siddhartha felt throughout this book. He had a feeling of discontent and dissatisfaction. He felt that something was missing but could not figure out what it was. He followed his religion fully, fulfilled the requirements and rituals and was following what should have brought him peace and happiness within himself and those around him. Siddhartha had been a follower of his father who was incredibly wise, though at times he thought his father was too wise and had preached all of his wisdom to the others in the community they resided. He wanted to know what this empty feeling inside was. After researching this religion a little more, his missing element in life was enlightenment. Enlightenment can be defined as obtaining wisdom, knowledge, awareness and insight. This is the element he was missing. I felt a strong connection to this book because at times I feel like there is something missing in my life and can never figure out what it is. I am not very religious. When I go to church, I feel more at peace. When I do not go to church, my life feels hectic and sometimes out of control. It is almost as if walking into the doors of the church have a calming factor to my life and I suddenly find that element missing from my life. Siddhartha embarks on a journey for himself to see what this element of his life is that is missing. He studies under different